From Iceland — COVID Roundup: 62 Domestic Cases, Child Vaccinations Begin, And Self-Tests Possible

COVID Roundup: 62 Domestic Cases, Child Vaccinations Begin, And Self-Tests Possible

Published August 23, 2021

62 new domestic cases of the coronavirus were detected yesterday, according to the latest data from covid.is. 35 were outside quarantine at the time of diagnosis. On Saturday, there were 54 confirmed cases, and on Friday, 70.

While the numbers have been consistently back down in the double-digits for several days now, preventative measures are stepping up. Vaccination of children aged 12 to 15 has begun, the schedule for which can be found here. Bear in mind that if you miss your vaccination appointment, you can also go to Suðurlandsbraut 34 from 10:00 to 15:00 each working day.

Another preventative measure being explored are home self-tests. Vísir reports that the government is considering distributing such tests to every household in Iceland. However, chief epidemiologist Þórólfur Guðnason is not especially fond of these tests, saying that they often return false negative results.

Where other data is concerned, 21 people are currently hospitalised with the virus, with seven in intensive care. 1,831 people are currently in quarantine, with another 956 in isolation. The 14-day incidence of infection per 100,000 people is now 343.3, while incidence at border screening is now at 6.0.

While vaccinations do not 100% prevent infection or transmission of the coronavirus, they do drastically reduce the severity of infection and chance of transmission. The general public is advised to install the Rakning C-19 app if they have not done so already, and to update it if they already have. In addition, people are encouraged to continue to practice social distancing, masking up, frequent use of hand sanitiser, to avoid coming in contact with the immunocompromised, and to get themselves tested if they sense any symptoms of the virus.

Bear in mind that there are domestic restrictions in effect, and new border restrictions have now started.

262,584 people have so far been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus as of August 20th, comprising 71% of the total population. That said, many Icelanders are going in for a third booster shot, in light of the spread of the Delta variant.

More statistics and information can be found at covid.is or below.

Note: Due to the effect the Coronavirus is having on tourism in Iceland, it’s become increasingly difficult for the Grapevine to survive. If you enjoy our content and want to help the Grapevine’s journalists do things like eat and pay rent, please consider joining our High Five Club.

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